Age: Not Given
Address: Greensboro, NC
Date of Death: Thursday, March 14, 2013
Arrangements: Henline Hughes Funeral Home

Details:  Norma Sparks Garland of Greensboro, NC entered into the presence of her Lord, Thursday, March 14th.  She was a native of Mitchell County and a daughter of the late Mack and Clara Sparks.
     Norma is survived by two brothers Mack and his wife Barbara of Waynesville, NC and Scotty of Bakersville, NC. She is also survived by three sisters, Carol Lee and husband David of Mills River, Maxine Davis of Philadelphia, Pa, and Karen Duncan and husband Dean, of Bakersville.
     She was preceded in death by her sister Shirley Huskins a nephew Tommy Huskins and a niece Angela Davis Reed.
     Norma completed her BS in business at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She later earned a double masters in Public Health Education and Sociology and Psychology with a concentration in Gerontology. Norma served as Director of Social Services for Friends Homes a graduated assisted living community. She was their advocate and friend. Norma’s compassion for others was further evidenced by her volunteer work as she served as a Chaplain at Moses Cone and Wesley Long Hospitals in Greensboro. In her efforts to continue serving others she also volunteered with Red Cross and Good Will.
     Norma was a member of Tabernacle United Methodist Church. She greatly loved and appreciated her church family and pastor. This love was returned by those lives she touched. Norma’s vibrant and compassionate personality left an indelible mark on all those she encountered.
     A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 3:00PM in Tabernacle Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC with Dr Kyles Wallace officiating.
     In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Mitchell County 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.